Has anyone else noticed that most photography forums outside of Reddit have some very opinionated, bitter arsch-holes as members? I cannot find a single forum outside of Reddit that offers positive / constructive criticism, just people who are toxic beyond belief…
Most forums I see people only want kind or positive words. Which is different than honest constructive criticism. My point is it would seem many can’t tell the difference.
Part of the “toxicity” is the common requests for feedback and constructive criticism. So the responses are limited to, “here’s where you can improve.” Then people are offended that the responses aren’t just likes and praise.
I’ve spent a good amount of time on r/photocritique and there is a ton of toxicity there. So many unhelpful responses (I.e “shit picture” or some sarcastic remark). It’s not everyone and some do give great constructive criticism, but it surprised me how many people gave out crappy advice or just plain rude unhelpful comments. Also I don’t understand what can’t be accomplished with a “here’s where you can improve” comment, seems like an effective way to give constructive criticism
The MagMod Community on Facebook is largely pretty nice and inspirational. But even there, I managed to run into several people who suddenly decided they needed to critique and offer (bad) advice on my photos despite it being a primary rule not to offer unsolicited advice. Anytime I call people out for it, they lose their minds and cuss me out (then get banned). It’s a good time /s But for the most part people are really nice there because it’s active and the MagMod team moderates it.
Always been that way across several forums.
I gotta always ask in this sort of complaint, where’s the evidence?
I’ve generally found photography communities to be nice people.
I asked a simple question about light and heat on this forum. It was immediately met with snarky and sarcastic comments… The helpful stuff came later. Eventually it moved from ‘why don’t you learn physics’ to some properly useful and technically advanced advise on increasing luminance without increasing heat.
People also assumed I was a beginner (I’m one of the world’s most published photographers).
There are some great minds here, but you have to take the good with the bad!
Oh, you’re the guy who shoots inside of musical instruments, like your work, very imaginative (and I imagine difficult to light!).
I feel like that’s the whole internet, not just photography forums.
Any hobby will have this
I think one of the biggest sources of conflict is between working professionals and casual hobbiests. From the pro photographers perspective, they dont want to answer stupid questions that could easily be googled. From the beginner/ hobbiest perspective, they are joining what they hoped would be a supportive community and are met with hostility over their lack of knowledge/skill.
That’s why I always try to be kind to newbie photographers and also give them links for more and deeper information.
Its because they are salty “freelancers” that most likely don’t make any real income off their work. They have to feel superior somehow. The only way they can do that is social media.
Every form of social media seems to suffer from this.
Opinions are like a-holes. Everyone has one and most of them stink.
Will you let me lick your opinion?
You’re not even gonna offer to buy me dinner first?
This is the reason I never joined a photo club. In my area were only people with expensive stuff refusing to share knowledge.
I’ve seen it on Reddit too. Someone asking for advice or opinion and all they get back is snappy responses.
Fact 1: It’s not the consensus that shooting film is more artistic at all. The cost of film plus having to wait for processing to see the results WILL make you a more thoughtful photographer however. Digital is fine but you must have the discipline not to just pop off a thousand shots to find 25 good ones. That’s not real photography it’s dumb luck and you will learn nothing if you do that.
Fact 2: Arguing about resolution and specs with gear-heads won’t advance your mastery of the art. It will just make you broke buying a bunch of stupid shit you don’t need.
Fact 3: Photography is mastery of controlling light and using the right glass. Master those two things and learn to have the instincts for their respective application and you’re halfway there.
Fact 4: Many people upgrade because camera companies set marketing traps for consumers. Dumping what you already have when you haven’t pushed it to its technical and limit is foolishness. Don’t buy gear to remove limitations you’re having. Instead work with what you have and try to overcome those limitations in a creative way.
Yes friend. Most professionals wouldn’t have ego and would actually be helpful. If there’s a way I can help you let me know. I’m sorry that you had a bad experience there.
You should see r/beatmatch
Sadly you find them in any kind of group. Look up Dunning-Kruger Effect and add in some brand snobbery and you get my point.